Contributions of collective action, traditional knowledge and customary sustainable use to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Sustainable Development Goals

11 Dec 2017 to 16 Dec 2017
CBD SBSTTA-21 & WG8(j)-10, Montreal

By Mrinalini Rai

The CBD SBSTTA-21 & WG8(j)-10 took place in Montreal 11-16 December. At it, GFC organised a side event on 14 December in collaboration with NDF (Sri Lanka), BIOM (Kyrgyzstan) and IIN (Kenya). The event was well received, and there was a good response to the Policy Brief that GFC had published ahead of the CBD meetings. The presentations included an overview of GFC’s work, in particular the CCRI project, and presented recommendations for the upcoming CBD agenda items.

CCRI partners from the Nirmanee Development Foundation in Sri Lanka described the traditional practices of communities that involve snake bite healers, and the traditional livelihood involving Kithul tapping. The rich knowledge and the cultural practices associated with each of these activities were emphasised, as well as the need to recognise the contributions they make to community health and biodiversity conservation. The important role of women in these practices was also discussed.

A representative from CCRI partner BIOM in Kyrgyzstan shared their experiences and contributions to biodiversity conservation. Communities are engaged in diverse activities including eco-tourism, the monitoring of illegal poaching by youth groups, the creation of environmentally-oriented business by women, and the creation of a micro reserve or a local protected area. Recommendations were also shared that included urging actors to not only look at ecosystem-based conservation, but also socio-cultural contributions.

The session was wrapped up by the International Development Law Organization, which emphasised the importance of the full and effective participation of women in achieving the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and Sustainable Development Goals, and welcomed the timely publication of GFC’s Policy Brief as a constructive contribution to the discussions taking place in Montreal.

Policy Recommendations for CBD SBSTTA-21 and WG8(j)-10

For general information, please see here.